Heat Index: Political Rumors, Panhandlers, and Front Bumpers

When St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay announced that he wouldn’t run for a fifth term, rampant speculation ensued, both as to who might try to replace him and what he might do next.

Warm: Metro East Economy

Amazon announced that it would open two fulfillment centers in Edwardsville, bringing more than 1,000 jobs. Gov. Bruce Rauner hails the news as “a commitment to the future of our state,” but Left Bank Books co-owner Kris Kleindienst warns that “inviting Amazon into our community is like inviting the fox into

the henhouse.”

Cool: Front Bumpers

Thanks to the mild winter, armadillos have migrated to St. Louis. The stout, scaly creatures look cute right up to the point when they jump up in front of your car.

Cold: Panhandlers

After a carjack killing downtown, city leaders promised a crackdown on panhandling as part of a broken-window policing approach. Chief Sam Dotson followed through, bragging on Twitter about arresting a beggar for trespassing.